19 years ago today my team and I reached the summit of Mount Everest. When we returned safely to base camp, our team leader Pasquale “PV” Scaturro pulled me aside and said,
“Don’t make Everest the greatest thing you ever do.”
After nearly 20 years, I understand more than ever what PV meant. That expedition undoubtedly changed the trajectory of all of our lives for the better. We would find new ways to Elevate the world around us.
Our 2001 Everest expedition team at Base Camp holding the National Federation of the Blind flag

 

Our team hunkered down, fighting to cross a windswept section of Everest

 

Our team climbing the South Col, the beginning of Everest’s “death zone”
Our team on the Hillary Step (28,839ft / 8,790m), before Everest’s true summit
Our team inching along a ridgeline near the summit of Everest
Me and teammate, Jeff Evans, on Everest’s summit, May 25, 2001
In 2011, on our 10th Everest anniversary, we discussed our desire to give back. The result was No Barriers Warriors — a program that uses the strength of climbing teams and the power of the mountains to help service members reclaim their lives after the ravages of war.
Chad Jukes on Lobuche Peak, Nepal, during an expedition that helped spark NB Warriors, 2010
Each year, No Barriers Warriors serves hundreds of veterans and their families; and now in COVID times, we’re gearing up to launch new programs to impact people, especially vets, virtually – like our online No Barriers Summit on June 26 & 27.
With a group of NB Warriors at the Pichincha Summit, Cotopaxi, Ecuador, 2012

 

view from the back of two folks walking with backpacks displaying no barriers flags
Two NB Warriors set off on a trail during training at Gannett Peak, Wyoming, 2015
Today, our Everest anniversary and Memorial Day, we celebrate the Summit, give thanks to those who serve, and remember the fallen.
group in snowy conditions on the peak
With a group of NB Warriors huddled together holding a large American flag at the summit of Mariposa, Peru, 2013

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